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Australia Day Lunch

2018 Australia Day Lunch

In keeping with its reputation as Sydney’s most anticipated corporate event, the 2018 Australia Day Lunch proved once again it is the one occasion not to miss.

Over 800 representatives from corporate, government and community sectors attended the event held in the week leading up to Australia Day 2018.

The program

The KARI Singers opened the program with an sensational performance of Djapana: Sunset Dreaming along with John Foreman and the Australia Day Lunch band.

Richard Glover, as MC, brought just the right amount of humour and sensitivity to the proceedings. His opening address reminded us of things from Australia's past that should be reinstated - such as the well-cooked steak, effortless holidays, the local hardware store and free school milk. For many of us it really was a timely reminder of a long lost era.

Yvonne Weldon, Chair of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council welcomed us to Country and the Governor of NSW and patron of the Australia Day Council of NSW spoke of the importance of educating ourselves and understanding the indigenous culture to bridge the gap to unity.

The Premier of NSW delivered her Australia Day Message and in doing so gave an insight into her personal background and her family’s sense of loyalty and gratitude to Australia.

Australia Post honoured the Legends of Australian TV - with Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Denise Drysdale and Ray Martin joining John Foreman and Peter Wynne during the Legends After Midday segment.

Dami Im delivered a showstopping performance of her hit Sound of Silence and was joined by the KARI Singers for magical version of I Still Call Australia Home.

The Lunch program finished on a high with guests upstanding for the National Anthem performed by Dami Im and the KARI Singers. It really doesn't get much better than that.

The venue

ICC Sydney has hosted the Australia Day Lunch for its second year and the presentation of the venue for the Lunch was outstanding. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to catch up in the lobby and were treated to the celebrity photo experience in front of a media wall on arrival.

Executive Chef, Tony Panetta and his team created a bespoke three course meal with produce sourced from local and regional suppliers. Guests are still talking about dessert - a tribute to the "Golden Gaytime".

Afterwards

The celebrations didn’t stop once the Lunch concluded. A number of guests continued enjoying the afternoon and the opportunity to network at Café del Mar at Cockle Bay.